Management

Introduction

Healthy calves are the building blocks of every successful dairy and veal operation. Getting calves off to a great start can translate into lower mortality rates, higher market prices, reduced use of livestock medicines, lower costs of production, and ultimately, less stress for you, the calf-raiser. Find practical ways to help your calves reach their full potential organized into each of the important phases they experience below.

First 24 hours

The first 24 hours after a calf is born can have tremendous effects on their overall performance and health throughout their life. This makes early management and rearing practices a key component of raising a healthy, productive animal. Explore best practices for colostrum management, navel dipping and other essential parts of your calf’s first day of life here.

Preweaning

The first few weeks of the calf’s life, from birth to weaning, are critical for health. During this time, calves are highly susceptible to infectious disease as their immune systems are not fully developed. Learn more about what you can do to manage nutritional and environmental factors to get your calves off to a healthy start here.

Weaning

Weaning, or transitioning a calf from a milk-based to a solid feed diet, is one of the most stressful times in a calf’s life. Implementing management strategies such as gradual weaning, group housing, and providing access to starter and water is essential for improving the overall health, welfare and economical potential of the calves. Find helpful advice for making this transition easier for your calves here.

Postweaning

Whether raised for replacement heifers or the veal industry, reducing illness and stress is key for growing healthy calves. Calves are the future of the herd and how they are fed and managed can have a big impact on their productivity. Examine different ways to prevent your calves from experiencing the postweaning slump here.

Cow management

Calves are not only a product of genetic selection and early growth, but their experiences as a developing calf. Sources of maternal stress during gestation, such as nutritional deficiencies, environment and health challenges, can have long-term effects on a young calf’s health and future productivity. Learn more about how these stressors can impact developing calves and strategies you can use to mitigate their effects here.